Acceleration of a downhill skier

[aron silvester]

Homework Statement

I understand in my head that Wx = mgsin(27) and Wy = -mgcos(27). Though when I tried solving for both Wx and Wy, their signs turned out to be opposite. I've provided my work leading up to Wx = -mgsin(27) and Wy = mgcos(27). Maybe I interpreted the signs of x and y component of W?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

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[TSny]

The weight vector should be denoted $\vec w$, not $-\vec w$. The vector $-\vec w$ would point in the opposite direction of the weight.

Also, in you diagram, you drew $\vec w_x$ as horizontal rather than parallel to the x axis. (Note that your y component of the weight is larger than the weight w.)

 

[aron silvester]

The weight vector should be denoted $\vec w$, not $-\vec w$. The vector $-\vec w$ would point in the opposite direction of the weight.

Also, in you diagram, you drew $\vec w_x$ as horizontal rather than parallel to the x axis. (Note that your y component of the weight is larger than the weight w.)

THANKS!